The steps are at their prettiest in the spring, when they're covered with flowers. Unfortunately, though, between the tourists and the vendors attracted there by the tourists, the steps are usually crowded. The vendors are also unusually persistent, and consequently, in my opinion, the piazza is a nice place to see but not to stay for very long.

Although the Trinità dei Monti church and Piazza di Spagna has been paid for by the French, the square has been named after the Spanish embassy to the Pontifical States that was based here.

To me, the steps and the square are best approached from the church, either coming from Piazza Barberini or the Pincio Garden. The Trinità dei Monti is a beautiful baroque-style church built mainly in the 16th century and designed by Carlo Maderno. It's a great stop to take a break from the Roman sun and look at the painting (search for the "Assumption" by da Voltera, in which this pupil of Michelangelo painted his master in the scene). The square and steps were built later by architect Francesco de Sanctis between 1723 and 1725. In front of the church, you will notice many street vendors selling anything: painting, jewelry, food and drinks, postcards... Admire the view from the balustrade and take in the steps... you'll realize how crowded it is.

Now, avoid walking on people's hand or feet when going down. It used to be a place for artists and models to be picked up and well... it's still a place to be picked up and to see and be seen Just give in, buy a gelato, and enjoy!

At the end of the staircase is Fontana della Barcaccia, the Little Boat Fountain. It is not known which one of the Berninis (Pietro, the father, or Gianlorenzo, the more famous son) created the fountain (maybe they both worked on it). You'll often find lots of people there cooling off. The water is drinkable and it's a good idea to refill.

Resource for Tourists:
American Express has its office here.
Although I don't recommend eating there (come on, you're in Rome), check out the interior of the McDonald's. They established themselves in an old palazzo, causing the ire of the Romans.
Have a tea at Babington's or Caffe del Greco (on swanky via Condotti... check out the autograph by Buffalo Bill), where sophisticated British ladies and other rich foreigners were indulging during their mandatory pilgrimage to Rome.
From there, hit the designer shops of Via Condotti (if you have the wallet for it) or Via del Corso (more democratic), or reach the Trevi Foutain.

Accessible either on a fine walking tour (as found in many popular guidebooks) or from the Spagna metro stop, the piazza is often crowded and vibrant by night.

Our visit included several groups of revelers singing, romantic couples kissing in the shadows, and groups of young people gathering to rehash their weekend entertainment.

By day, the area around the piazza is lined with some of Rome's most exclusive boutiques: Valentino, Gucci, and other too-expensive to mention stops.

Watch for pickpockets and other scam artists and enjoy a bit of La Dolce Vita!